WORLD Prematurity Day is celebrated on November 17 and people around the world is creating awareness.
Premature birth is the leading cause of death worldwide in children under the age of five. Babies born too early are more susceptible to long-term health problems that affect the brain, the lungs, hearing or vision.
World Prematurity Day aims to educate global citizens on prematurity and to rally in support of the fourth Millennium Development Goal (MDG) which is to halve the under-five mortality rate between the years 2010 and 2025.
In South Africa, 15 per cent of all births, which equates to one in seven babies, are born preterm. Globally around 15 million babies (12 per cent of all births) are born preterm and one million die due to complications and a lack of proper healthcare.
In South Africa, neonatal facilities at hospitals are overcrowded. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Groote Schuur Hospital reports a frequent occupancy rate of 120 per cent as opposed to the desired 80 per cent occupation rate. This type of overcrowding may lead to an increased risk of infection and further complications for these babies. By donating funds to neonatal facilities and programmes, babies born as early as 26 weeks will have a fighting chance of survival. These donations will be put towards improving the facilities so that there is more space for patients, providing up to date medical treatment and the opportunity to facilitate kangaroo care.
Huggies® expert Lynne Bluff, registered nurse and midwife, says moms should be aware of information related to medical conditions which could result in preterm labour and educate themselves on the signs of early labour. It is crucial to consult with a midwife or obstetrician as in many instances pre-term labour can be halted.
Bluff mentions: “It is important to realise that in the majority of premature births, there is nothing a mom could have done to prevent it from occurring however expectant moms should take care of themselves during pregnancy by:
• Having regular, sound antenatal care at the recommended stages of gestation
• Manage weight gain. The average weight gain over the course of a pregnancy is approximately 12kg
• Infected gums produce prostaglandins, the same hormones that initiate labour. Expectant mums should visit a dentist at least once during pregnancy, and brush teeth at least twice a day and floss.”
WATCH:
Members of the public are urged to support Wear Purple for Preemies by buying a sticker for R10 and wearing purple on World Prematurity Day. In addition, why not paint your social media page purple and share with friends and family to spread the word using #HuggiesWorldPreemieDay.
Call the Newborns Trust office on 021 404 6023/5 or on 082 884 6233 or email enquiries@newborns.org.za to place an order for the stickers or to find out where you can buy stickers yourself.
Stickers are also available at Toys R Us nationwide.
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